The doorbell rang, and in an instant, Anthony’s mom was at the door, rushing forward with a radiant smile.
"Aurelia! You’ve finally arrived! I’ve missed you so much!"
I forced a smile, my face carefully blank.
"Auntie, I’m sorry. With the wedding coming up soon, I’ve been spending more time with my mom."
Her face lit up and she seized my hand, patting it reassuringly.
"Don’t worry, dear. Once you’re married, I’ll make sure Anthony takes you back to visit often."
She spoke cheerfully, but her eyes kept drifting, almost as if searching for something lingering on my stomach.
As she led me to the table, I noticed Amelia, Anthony’s sister, sitting there.
She gave me a stiff nod, her face like stone.
It was clear she wasn’t in the best of moods.
Anthony thoughtfully pulled out a chair for me and the whole family echoed in unison, urging me to sit carefully, as though even sitting down could harm me.
I couldn’t help but sneer inwardly.
Pregnancy, what a powerful weapon it had become.
I had barely taken a few bites when Zora, Anthony’s mother, got straight to the point, her smile stretching wide as she placed a piece of meat in my bowl.